Sunsense Solar was born in a small, one-bedroom condo in Boulder, Colorado in 1990. Founder Scott Ely, armed with previous solar industry experience and a solar retrofit certificate from Colorado Mountain College, was determined to continue down the solar path.He moved the business to Carbondale in 1992, and what began as one man hauling solar panels up 4-wheel drive roads to remote mountain cabins has grown into the largest solar installer in Carbondale, CO and the Western Slope region. For many years the business focused on the only market available—off grid power for remote cabins and homes. Sunsense Solar then became a regional hub for wholesale solar PV product distribution. When utility and government incentives began, Sunsense Solar focused on the grid tie market. We are now a lead solar PV installer on the Western Slope of Colorado and beyond.The company has evolved with the industry, expanding from pioneering off-grid installations to designing sophisticated battery storage systems, residential solar installations, commercial projects, and utility-scale solar farms. Today, Sunsense employs 28experienced professionals who share a commitment to quality workmanship and local service. NABCEP certified, the Sunsense Solar team is skilled and dedicated to providing environmentally responsible and cost effective solar solutions.The team includes certified PV installers, professional engineers, master electricians, and solar consultants who guide Colorado homeowners through every step of going solar—from site assessment and custom system design to navigating rebates and utility interconnection. Sunsense has built a reputation for tackling complex projects that other installers shy away from. Sunsense built the largest solar array in the Roaring Fork Valley in 2015 when it worked with Clean Energy Collective on a 1.8-megawatt facility at Sunnyside Ranch, the site of the former Carbondale landfill in Missouri Heights.Their portfolio includes everything from off-grid mountain retreats to municipal buildings, schools, libraries, and multi-megawatt solar farms. The company has installed solar panels on Carbondale Town Hall, local schools, and federal buildings, demonstrating their versatility across project scales. What sets this solar installer in Carbondale apart is their deep community roots. Since 2008 Sunsense has installed solar systems on all 10 of the latest new homes that Habitat has built, and Sunsense’s 20-year collaboration with Habitat for Humanity includes the Basalt Vista Project, a local, 12-building, affordable housing model that has set the national standard for net-zero living.Sunsense partnered with local organizations on a Solarize program that spurred $400,000 worth of investments in over 125kW of solar panels.When the company planned to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2020, the coronavirus threat nixed the plan, so the company donated the money budgeted for the event to local nonprofit organizations and causes.Sunsense serves Carbondale homeowners and surrounding Colorado communities throughout the Western Slope and beyond, bringing clean solar energy to areas where they understand the local climate, building codes, and utility requirements. Whether you’re a homeowner exploring home solar for the first time or a business seeking commercial-scale solar installation, Sunsense delivers custom-designed systems built to perform in Colorado’s mountain environment. With financing assistance, rebate coordination, and battery storage solutions including Tesla Powerwall, they make solar energy accessible and practical for Western Colorado residents ready to take control of their energy future.
Sunsense is the leading solar electric Engineering, Procurement and Construction Contractor on Colorado’s Western Slope.Based in Carbondale, Colorado, this full-service solar electric and renewable energy company has been serving Western Colorado since 1990, with a focus on designing and installing residential, commercial and community solar systems.Their experience includes off-grid, grid-tied residential, commercial, and utility scale solar electric projects.Sunsense provides turnkey services for solar electric and energy storage systems of all sizes and specifications to a broad array of clients.With 28 employees, they serve homeowners, businesses, municipalities, schools, hospitals, and utilities throughout Colorado and neighboring states.
DECADES OF WESTERN SLOPE EXPERTISE: Now, 34 years later, Sunsense is widely recognized and respected as a leader in turn-key solar electric contracting in Western Colorado and beyond.Sunsense Solar has been ranked #297 on Solar Power World’s 2025 Top Solar Contractors list, and the company understands the unique challenges of installing solar panels in Colorado’s mountain climate.
NABCEP-CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS: Team members like Jeff Lauckhart have been NABCEP Certified PV Installers since 2007, and the Operations Director is a NABCEP Certified PV Installer and Sales manager. This certification represents the gold standard in solar installation expertise and ensures quality on every project.
COMMUNITY-FOCUSED MISSION: Since 2008 Sunsense has installed solar systems on all 10 of the latest new homes that Habitat has built, earning recognition as Habitat for Humanity’s Business Partner of the Year. We work with local non-profits on community projects and feel that giving back is an important part of what we do.
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